Political parties come together for Allentown inaugural ball

Black-tie affair ushers in term for Mayor Pawlowski.

January 08, 2006|By Kathy Lauer-Williams Of The Morning Call

It was a night of hope for the future and an opportunity for movers and shakers to make connections Friday as Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski threw the first inaugural ball the city has seen in recent history.

More than 200 people turned out for the $175-a-head black-tie gala, filling the ballroom to near capacity at Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Allentown.

But despite the trappings of a glitzy ball, the atmosphere was more down-home than Dior. The bipartisan crowd was as interested in networking as much as sipping Cosmopolitans, but the air was abuzz with optimism.

"There are people from all walks of life," the mayor said. "I think it's a great event."

"It's like one big family of Republicans and Democrats," added Rose Ackerman, director of development at the Baum School of Art. "This is a working crowd that's going to help out the city."

Democrat Pawlowski, in black tie and tuxedo rented from an Allentown retailer, set the pace for the evening.

Pawlowski's wife, Lisa, looked stunning in a wine halter top dress with a fishtail hem and short train from an Allentown retailer.

"I try to shop in downtown Allentown," she said. "It's better for the economy."

Adding to the down-to-earth flavor was the presence of the Pawlowski children, Alex, 3, and Mercy, 7. Both were included in the campaign since the beginning, and during a short speech from the stage before dinner, Pawlowski mentioned he had potty-trained his son during the campaign and compared politicians to dirty diapers.

"Both have to be changed often and for the same reason," he said.

Mercy, in a sleeveless velvet black dress with white socks and Mary Janes, took an active role and helped guide guests to their tables. She even announced "the mayor's here" when her father arrived.

The mayor said throwing the ball, which retired his campaign debt as its celebrated his inauguration, will signal a "new age for Allentown."

Crime -- there were a record 20 homicides last year -- and city budget woes are two of the problems that Pawlowski has inherited.

"People are happy the city is moving in a new direction. There are lots of challenges on the horizon, but tonight is the time to relax and celebrate," he said.

Nick Balzano, president of the Service Employees International Union, joked he had rented his tuxedo at 2 p.m. Friday. Like many men at the ball, Balzano opted for a patterned tie and vest.

Debbie Whitesell was flashing her huge diamond engagement ring from Louie Belletieri, who ran for mayor in the Democratic primary.

When brother Gene Belletieri's band broke into "In the Mood," the couple were the first on the dance floor Friday.

Malcolm Gross, a city attorney on the board of Pawlowski's transition team, called the ball a "very positive evening."

"We're off to a great start," he said. "This was an unexpectedly successful event considering the fact it was put together at last minute. All the enthusiasm is something to see."